Respect and Understanding critical to regional development

The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) recently concluded a major consultation on Respect and Understanding in collaboration with the government of St Kitts and Nevis.

The November 19 to 21 consultation was attended by 55 delegates from 17 countries and organizations within the Commonwealth Caribbean including, Regional Youth Caucus representatives, Directors of Youth, United Nations Fund for Population, United Nations Development Programme, Unites Nations Alliance for Civilization, faith-based Organizations, the Caribbean women's movement, the Caribbean Coalition of Vulnerable Groups,  the Caribbean Coalition Against Armed Violence, Disabled People International (Regional Chapter),  the trades union movement, anti violence campaigners, representatives from the Christian, Hindu and Muslim faiths, the Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous Peoples and the media.

The main objective of the consultation was to inform participants of the Commonwealth's mandate on respect and understanding and explore the concepts, issues and guiding principles presented in 'Civil Paths to Peace' the report of the Commonwealth Commission on Respect and Understanding.

Presentations were made by Ms Isabelle Legare, Youth Programme Manager of the United Nations Alliance for Civilization, CYP staff and representatives from youth and civil society organizations. 

However the key paper was presented by Professor Barry Chavannes of the University of the West Indies which discussed the emotional and biological complexities of young people. According to him, traditional issues of respect and community have defined intergenerational relationships, noting that respect is the recognition of value or worth of someone.

Addressing the opening ceremony, CYP Caribbean Regional Director Mr. Henry Charles, emphasized that the participation of civil society organizations was reflective of the core principle of CYP's youth empowerment strategy, forging and building partnerships; and augurs well for the region's youth.

Mr. Charles also used the opportunity to provide participants with a brief history of the CYP Respect and Understanding mandate and noted that the guiding principles of the 'Civil Paths to Peace' are in sync with the core values and principles of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Participants concluded that respect and understanding should not to be treated as an esoteric issue but that it should be the guiding principle in fostering individual and organizational relationships and should also be a critical component of the regional leadership and governance ethos.

Participants also felt that the issue of respect and understanding was extremely relevant in the context of increased violence and criminal activities that is presently stalking the region. They also endorsed the need for a multilateral approach to solving conflicts and commitment to the 'Civil Paths to Peace' on the part of governments and policy makers.